Kaichō wa Maid-sama! 2005 © Fujiwara Hiro

Lala Magazine under Hakusensha Publishing

WARNING: Major OOC and One-Sided ToraXMisa.

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Chapter 04: If Only This Would Last a Lifetime

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When Japan Airlines flight number six-seven-four touched down Narita Airport's runway, Misaki knew she was back to reality.

The last two weeks with her family was something she needed the most. It helped her unwind and relax. She was as refreshed as a blooming flower in early spring. She felt a new surge of strength in her body she hadn't felt in a long time.

Misaki reminded herself to call and thank Tora for everything as she snatched her duffel bag on the conveyor belt.

Once she got out of the terminal, it turned out she didn't need to call him. Tora was there, leaning against his silver Audi with arms crossed over his chest.

Misaki stood a few steps away from him, briefly surprised to see him there. She watched as a few foreign girls eyed him and whispered excitedly to each other. She shook her head amusedly. This guy really knows how to look so damn handsome.

Tora met her eyes and for a moment, it seemed to shine like molten gold. He walked up to her, a hint of smile playing on his lips.

"Hey," he greeted as he stopped right in front of her.

"Hey, mister," she smiled. "What's up?"

"Nothing much. How's your vacation?"

"It was great. Um... what are you doing here?"

Tora rolled his eyes. "There goes Captain Obvious again..." he muttered.

Misaki scowled.

"I'm here to pick you up, idiot," Tora said, flicking her forehead lightly. He took the duffel bag from her hand and stalked off towards his car. He dumped it in the compartment before opening the passenger door.

She stayed rooted on her spot, still scowling.

Tora glared as he tapped his finger impatiently on the car's roof. "Are you coming or what?"

She blew out her breath and slid inside the car. Arrogant brat, she thought.

Tora slammed the door shut and went in the driver's seat. He let out a long exhale.

"How long have you been waiting?" she asked.

"I've got here around seven," he simply answered as he pulled into the highway.

"What?" Misaki glanced at her wristwatch. It was already ten thirty AM. She whipped her head towards him and stared with wide eyes, "Don't tell me you've been waiting there for three hours?!"

"Well, apparently so. I've miscalculated your arrival time," Tora said nonchalantly.

"Did you eat breakfast?" Misaki inquired. She knew he wasn't an early riser and he would skip breakfast whenever he needed to get up early, because he tends to oversleep.

"No."

As I thought... "You're stupid. I told you a million times before: Never skip breakfast. More importantly, why did you come to the airport? I didn't tell you to come pick me up," she grumbled.

Tora felt an incoming nerve combustion. "Will you just shut up and be grateful?" he snapped.

Misaki stopped short, realizing that she sounded like a nagging girlfriend. She felt her face grew hot. She consciously adjusted herself on the seat and looked straight ahead.

"I... I'm sorry, I didn't mean it that way," she mumbled quietly.

The engine hummed in background. Tora sighed, "I'm sorry, too. I didn't mean to snap at you." He reached for her hand and rubbed her knuckles with his thumb. Though he kept his eyes on the road, he was sure Misaki was blushing madly. He was sure any second now she'll pull back while stuttering random excuses. He was sure she disliked it whenever he touched her.

But his heart thumped exaggeratedly when he felt her smaller hand tightened its grip around his. If his memory served him right, this was the very first time she ever returned his hold. He looked at her, daring to hope...

Misaki was staring back at him, a radiant smile plastered on her lips. And he had been right, of course: She was blushing. Tora knew at that moment, the world stopped spinning.

"It's fine. Just forget about it, okay? And thanks a lot for picking me up, I really appreciate it. Thank you," she said. Her little fingers still wrapped around his, mercilessly sending electric charges all over his skin.

Tora cleared his throat and forced his mind to focus on driving. "Yeah... you know you're always welcome," he almost stammered. Shit, he cursed mentally.

Misaki smiled even more. Either she was teasing him or she was completely oblivious to her own effects on him, he didn't know. "It's Friday, isn't it? Are you going to work today?" she asked.

"No, I took the day off," he said.

"Are you hungry? Well, I bet you are..." she mused, squeezing his hand a bit.

"Hmm," he managed to utter.

"Um, well... I could cook for you if you-"

"No," Tora said at once. He glanced at her with pleading eyes as the memory of the last time she cooked resurfaced in his head. The kitchen resembled an open hell after that and the food was brutally massacred. Her cooking skill was just beyond human understanding.

Misaki must've remembered it, too, for she sat there quietly. She didn't argue like she usually does.

"We'll buy take-outs, is that okay with you?" he asked.

"... Take-outs ... yeah, it's okay. It's good. Take-outs are good," she murmured, probably wondering why she couldn't cook even a simple and edible meal.

Tora parked by a restaurant along the way. "What do you want?" he asked.

"Nothing in particular. Just order some real food."

"Don't worry, it's a restaurant, not a fast-food chain," he reminded her. "They make real food."

And very reluctantly, Tora let go of Misaki's hand and went inside the elegant establishment. She waited in the car, looking at her hand as she marveled on how soft his hand was. His slim fingers, his gentle caress, his warmth... it was almost like-

"Ugh!" Misaki lightly bumped the side of her head against the tinted window. She nearly thought of the taboo name. Damn, she was starting to compare Tora to him again. She wasn't supposed to remember him, right? She locked his memories away, right? Digging through it would bring back the pain and sadness. Besides, it would be unfair to Tora. Very unfair.

Look what's in front of your eyes, stupid. Not in what's behind your back! she scolded herself.

But, can she step closer to Tora? He surely wouldn't mind. Is she doing the right thing? Getting herself attached and giving him false hope... well, not false hope, really. She loved Tora. Seriously, who wouldn't love the guy? Anyone who has the courage to look deeper into his personality can fall in love with him. He's kind and thoughtful, not to mention he's fucking handsome. He's very generous, too. And sometimes, sweet.

To simply put, he's the guy of every girl's dream.

Misaki would be a hypocrite if she denied that she wasn't attracted to him by even a tiny bit. She loved him, alright. But just like what her stubborn heart always screams, she loved him in a different way.

If she could make her heart shut up forever- or at least, as long as she lives, maybe she could take it to another level on the love meter. It's not impossible, is it?

She shook her head, disgusted. God, what am I thinking...

Even if, let's say, things worked out with the two of them, isn't it cruel to return his feelings when she already knows she's going to leave him in the end? Leave him forever, that is. It's the same as giving a candy to a child, only to snatch it away before he could open it.

No. This isn't right, Misaki thought. She didn't want to leave Tora the way she was left by the one she truly loved. She didn't want him to suffer the same crippling pain she felt. She didn't want to hurt him anymore. He had given her so much more than she could ever thank for.

But a huge chunk of force coming from somewhere deep within her is telling her that she wanted to love him. Maybe, probably... Tora is her most important piece to complete her puzzle of the future and move forward. He said it so himself, right? He told her he would wait until she's ready to leave it all in the past.

But-

"Gah!" Misaki threw her hands in her head. This was quite a dilemma for her. She felt like ripping off her hair in frustration. Whenever her brain finds the answer, her heart changes the question. Damn it all in hell.

She turned her attention to the wide, open door of the restaurant and concentrated on a certain figure sitting with a badass attitude in one of the dining chairs.

Igarashi Tora.

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"I'll take that."

"No, I can do it."

"Misaki, it's a guy's job to carry heavy things," Tora reasoned out as he tugged the duffel bag from her.

"But it's not even heavy." Misaki tugged it back.

"Whatever. I'll carry this," he tugged at it again, more forceful this time.

Her left eyebrow twitched as she tugged the duffel bag from his grip. "It's okay, thank you," she said through gritted teeth.

Another forceful tug from his side. "I said, I'll carry it for you." One of his eyebrows twitching in annoyance, as well.

"Tora..." she growled while they continued playing tug-of-war with the poor duffel bag.

"Just give me goddamn bag! Is that too much to ask?!"

"FINE!" Misaki yelped. She shoved it to his face, including her sling bag. "Carry it all yourself!" she added and stomped off to the elevator. "Persistent little arrogant bastard..." she muttered irritably as she punched the button.

"I heard that!" Tora said indignantly. He gingerly head-butted her since his hands were full; the duffel bag and sling bag on his left hand, the plastic bags of take-outs on the other.

"Ow!" she complained, rubbing the sore spot on the crown of her head. "Damn it..." she glared icy daggers at him. He, in return, grinned like a paid idiot. She sighed and rolled her eyes; yeah, like they could ever be a lovely couple.

The elevator dinged and before Tora could step inside, Misaki kicked him in the shin.

"Ouch!" he yowled. "What the fuck-"

Misaki still had the guts to stuck her tongue out at him and laughed gleefully. He couldn't help but smile at her childishness.

They got off on the twenty fifth floor and walked together down the hall to her apartment unit. Tora looked a lot like a servant with all the baggage on his hands.

Misaki took her sling bag from him and rummaged inside to find her keys. The sound of the creaking door and the familiar smell of her apartment felt so nice. She was finally in her absolute domain.

Tora followed her. Misaki took the duffel bag and chucked it inside her bedroom while he put the take-outs on the dining table.

"Um," Misaki said. He turned to see her by the door of her bedroom. "Give me fifteen minutes, I'll just take a hot shower. You know your way around, but do not touch our food. Wait for me," she warned, and then slammed the door shut.

"Yeah, sure," Tora chuckled. He sat on the couch and turned on the TV mounted against the wall, though he wasn't paying attention to the show. His eyes were roaming around the apartment.

It was much too big for someone who lives alone. It has three bedrooms, two bathrooms and huge living space. Well, maybe it looked huge because of the way it was designed. There were no dividing walls, except for the bedrooms and bathrooms. It was like an open house exhibit. Anyone could see everything the moment they walk through the door; from the living room up to the kitchen.

Everything was the same as he remembered. Couches and surfaces were meticulously clean despite her two-week absence. The yellow curtains, which he helped her put up a month ago, still hung in the windows. There were still five framed pictures on the bookshelf.

He knew her apartment inside out. He subconsciously memorized it from all the countless times he visited her. It was like a second home to him.

"Ah... it's good to be back!" Misaki popped out of her bedroom and slumped on the couch beside him, stretching her arms over. She had changed into a pair of black sweatpants and baby pink tight t-shirt. Her hair was still a little damp.

"I'm hungry," was all he said.

"Yeah, me too."

"I'm so glad the feeling's mutual," he dramatically said.

Misaki laughed and brought the food on the coffee table. They ate it while sitting on the floor. The TV was long forgotten as they exchanged stories with each other. Just like the best friends they were.

After they filled their stomachs with sumptuous food and laughter, they sat back on the couch. It was almost one in the afternoon; Misaki was silently fighting her drooping eyelids. Tora found entertainment in watching her, as usual.

"Why don't you just go to sleep?" he asked amusedly.

"You're here," she answered, as if that was a very clear reason.

"So?"

She glared at him. "I can't just go to sleep while I have the most annoying visitor, can I?"

"What's wrong with me being here? It's not like I'm going to do something to you while you're sleeping..." he muttered.

"That's not I meant! Oh god, why do you have to say that?" she blushed.

"Go on, you're safe with me. I'll watch your house until you wake up," he said. The boyish smirk on his face suited him perfectly.

"My house isn't going to run away, Tora," she rolled her eyes and sighed. "Why do you want to stay here, anyway?"

"Because I missed you." Direct and straight to the point.

Misaki stopped short. All the blood in her body rushed to her cheeks. There was a loud thumping in her ribs, like something wanted to burst out. It didn't help that he was staring back at her seriously. She looked away from him. "I-I was just out for two weeks, idiot..." she mumbled.

"Well, it felt like two years to me."

Misaki could only blink as she tried to comprehend what he was saying.

"Can I stay here a little longer? I won't do anything stupid, I promise. I just want to be with you," he said, his voice coated with allure and charm. His eyes were melting gold.

"Ugh! Where's all this mushiness coming from?! Go home!" she irritably huffed. She wasn't used to Tora's sweet words. He never uses those kind of sappy romantic talks... except when the bastard's teasing her. She got goose bumps all over because it sounded so much like-

Tora laughed at her flustered face. "Sorry," he snickered. "I just love teasing you."

Misaki threw him a look from the seventh circle of hell and kicked him in the shin again.

Tora continued to laugh. He patted the space between them, beckoning her to sit closer. "But really, I missed you," he said earnestly.

Misaki snorted, "You're too soft." Nevertheless, she scooted towards him and by some unknown force, she rested her head on his shoulder.

Tora chuckled, lightly and slowly putting his arm around her, as if testing the waters. He mentally sighed in relief when she didn't punch him.

It may look like an intimate position. But for the both of them, it was a friendly gesture; an affectionate touch to let them know that they have each other.

Tora reached for a throw pillow and set it on his lap. "Come on, Ms. Ayuzawa. Rely on me this time. I'll be your boyfriend for today," he grinned playfully. "Sleep here," he patted the pillow.

Misaki grumbled something incoherent but she complied. She rested her head on it and adjusted herself on the couch so she was lying on her side, looking blankly at the TV screen.

"I'm always relying on you," she said quietly after a few gaps of silence. She sounded weak, even in her own ears.

"I'm glad," he replied in the same quiet manner.

"I can never repay you for everything, Tora..."

"I'm not asking for payment," he grunted. He sounded a bit annoyed.

"I can't thank you enough," she mumbled.

"Seeing you alive and happy are more than enough, Misaki," he sighed and ran his fingers through her hair softly.

It felt so nice. Misaki closed her eyes and concentrated her senses to her scalp. "I'm going to die soon," she countered.

Tora had a sudden urge to pull her hair off. His hands paused and he almost groaned in annoyance, "Oh, come on! Do you honestly believe that?"

She didn't answer.
"Do you honestly think I'll let you die just like that?"

She remained quiet.

Tora exhaled sharply. "Please, Misaki, don't ever say that again. I'm seriously going to hit you," he spoke gently and resumed raking her hair with his fingers.

The girl on his lap chuckled. "As if you can..." she teased.

"I can and I will."

"No, you can't," she insisted.

"Can, too."

"No."

"Can, too."

"No."

"Why?"

"Because you love me."

There was a long pause as they both struggled to understand what she just said. Misaki herself was astonished; she couldn't believe her mouth just spoke that out loud.

"Um, sorry... I didn't mean to use it as a weapon against you." For some reasons, she found it funny and couldn't help but laugh.

"Well, yeah. I love you, so better get well soon and marry me," he smirked.

"W-what?!" Was that a proposal? Misaki twisted around to face him, eyes wide and face as red as roses. She saw his nasty smirk that irked her so much.

"Kidding," he sneered.

She sat up and gave his head a whacking. "You insolent, little fool! Don't just go around joking about marrying!"

Tora laughed. "I know, I know. I'm sorry." He caught her wrists and forced her to lie down again. "Go to sleep now," he chuckled.

"Hmph!" Misaki went back to her comfortable position and closed her eyes. Get well soon and marry me… her weapon backfired at her. She didn't expect him to say that but something sparked in her mind, like a quick glimpse of an idea coming to life: A brief image of the two of them together, married and happy.

Misaki frowned. For her, marriage is like a dream destined to never come true. But something in the way Tora had said it gave her hope.

Is that even possible? Will she be able to live until then? Will she be happy with him if it ever comes to that point? Of course, she would be happy. But in a completely different way.

Because she loved Tora in a different way.

Tora began fiddling with her hair again and sighed. He stared at her, taking in her restless expression; the frown in her face, the slight pout on her lips... she must've been disturbed by what he said. Now he felt a bit guilty for saying he wanted to marry her. How he wished he could say that he wasn't joking.

But he was happy of what they were now. She wasn't pushing him away like before. She seemed to be more open to him now than before and she was beginning to return his advances more often now.

He didn't know what to think about it, but one thing is for sure: Even if Misaki did love him, he could never make her as happy as Usui Takumi could. She may love him, but it's still nothing compared to the love she had for him.

And knowing it all felt worse than a kick to his gut.

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The two stayed that way until they both fell asleep. Misaki was sleeping like a log on Tora's lap, while he dozed off; his head slumped on the couch's armrest and his fingers still tangled with her raven locks.

Neither was aware of each other's thoughts as they drifted to sleep.

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05/31/13 0238

OWARI

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SORA'S RAMBLING CORNER:

Okay, so I wanted a fluffy moment between Tora and Misaki... then, this chapter came! I'm quite, um, satisfied with the outcome but I felt like I just committed a crime! This shouldn't be happening, right? I mean, Misaki belongs to Usui and Usui only. But why? Why did my shipper heart wants a ToraXMisa fluffy moments? *sigh*

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did, AND a ton of apologies to those waiting for Usui to come out. I'm still in the process of driving a deeper relationship to Tora and Misaki so I'm keeping the alien for myself first, hehe! I guess he won't be out until the sixth chapter.

I hope I delivered all their thoughts properly. I don't know if you guys understand it but please tell me you got the idea. Hahaha! Sorry, it's just really hard to write down. And I suppose they're a little bit OOC.

Um, I think that's all for this chapter. Thank you for all the reads, reviews, follows and favorites. Please keep on supporting this story.

I love you, guys!

Ja, mata ne~!